IngenuiTEA: A Follow-Up Review

Several months ago I did a review of Adagio Teas‘ super-convenient tea infuser, the IngenuiTEA. I’ve been using this handy little device almost daily for several months, and wanted to update my readers on how it is working for me.

While there are times that I prefer a more “specialist” approach to preparing my teas (i.e. in a gaiwan or small glass teapot, or by simply placing oolong leaves in a double walled glass and drinking/steeping in that same glass), the IngenuitTEA is a great “generalist” gadget. Here are its good points:

1. The IngenuiTEA is clear, which allows one to view the unfurling of the leaves.

2. The IngenuiTEA works with any sort of tea or tisane. The mesh filter does a great job of catching even fine leaves/particles, such as rooibos.

3. When used correctly, there is no worry about liquid dripping on surfaces or disposing of a teabag.

4. If one is using a mug or cup large enough to hold the entire contents of IngenuiTEA, there is no need for a second “decanting” pot.

5. The IngenuiTEA is diswasher safe and easy to store. It is also light and sturdy, appropriate for travel.

That said, there are a few issues with the IngenuiTEA that folks should be aware of:

1. The IngenuiTEA is made of plastic, which can, and does, retain odors: If you are using the IngenuiTEA for scented teas, you need to remove the tea leaves, and scrub out the infuser, fairly quickly after using.

2. I’ve noticed that flavoring residue collects near the valve at the bottom of the IngenuiTEA: This is especially a problem because there are a lot of tiny crevices there that are not easy cleaned.

3. The one-way valve at the bottom is very sensitive: Even the slightest pressure can result in a stream of scalding hot tea dripping over oneself, someone else, the floor, table, keyboard, and/or anything else that is nearby.

4. Previous incarnations of the IngenuiTEA mesh filter would, occasionally, pop out which resulted in ruined tea and, in some cases, a clogged, dripping valve. (Note: The new, tighter-fitting filters no longer come loose.)

So given my extended experience with the IngenuiTEA,  and the experiences shared with me by others, here are some new tips for using the IngenuiTEA to infuse your tea:

1. In order to avoid scent-contamination, you need to manually scrub the IngenuiTEA, preferably with a brush that can get into the small areas around the valve. I use a brush, and occasionally a cotton swab, to do this.

2. If you infuse both scented and unscented teas, you may want to consider getting two IngenuiTEAs in order to avoid the contamination of unscented teas.

3. Remember that the IngenuiTEA comes in 16 ounce and 32 ounce sizes.  Your mug, cup, or teapot should be able to hold this amount, otherwise leftover liquid can stew in the IngenuiTEA and become bitter.

4. The IngenuiTEA comes with a “coaster” that you can rest the IngenuiTEA on. Use it, as it will help prevent the valve opening accidentally.

5. If you are still using older filters, be sure to make sure that they are securely in place before adding hot water to your IngenuiTEA.

Where to buy an IngenuiTEA?

1. You can get the IngenuiTEA from Amazon.

2. You can also get the IngenuiTEA directly from Adagio Teas: They are currently running a special where you can get a 16 oz IngenuiTEA, a book on tea, and four one-ounce sample tins of tea for only $19.

3. Many fine tea shops and tearooms, such as Tea Lula in Park Ridge (a suburb of Chicago),  are not only selling the IngenuiTEA, but are using the IngenuiTEA to brew up tea for their customers!

Affiliate Links in this Post?: Yes.

Tagged as: adagio, infuser, ingenuiTEA, teapot, Teaware, teawares